Nothing says comfort food quite like a rich, hearty plate of gnocchi smothered in a soulful meat sauce. This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe brings together pillowy gnocchi and a robust Bolognese sauce that’s bursting with flavor from fresh herbs, tender ground beef, and a touch of red wine. It’s that kind of dish you want to dive into on a cozy night, impress friends at a dinner party, or just savor as your new favorite weeknight meal. Every bite melts with the perfect balance of textures and aromas that make this recipe an absolute keeper in any home cook’s repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color — from the sweet, aromatic soffritto base to the fresh herbs that finish the sauce just right.

Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and giving the sauce a silky base.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
Carrot: Brings natural sweetness and texture balance.
Celery stalks: Lend a subtle earthiness and crunch to the soffritto.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
Lean ground beef: The rich protein that makes the Bolognese hearty and satisfying.
Dry red wine: Adds acidity and complexity, enhancing the meat’s flavor.
Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Fresh thyme and rosemary: Bring fragrant herbal notes that make the sauce uniquely delicious.
Red chili flakes: Provide a subtle kick without overpowering.
Crushed tomatoes: The tomato base that gives the sauce its rich, vibrant color.
Beef stock: Adds moisture and strengthens the meaty essence.
Bay leaves: Infuse a delicate herbaceous aroma during simmering.
Gnocchi: The soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates every forkful.
Fresh basil leaves: For a fresh, bright pop of flavor at the end.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.

How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Build the Flavorful Base

Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking gently for 8 to 10 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This soffritto forms the flavor backbone of your Bolognese, providing sweetness and depth you’ll notice in every bite.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Brown the Beef

Next, stir in the chopped garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 5 to 6 minutes. Browning the meat properly at this stage creates those rich, savory flavors that make this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe truly unforgettable.

Step 3: Deglaze with Red Wine

Pour in the dry red wine and let it simmer for a minute or two. This quick simmer burns off the alcohol while leaving behind a deep, fruity tang that adds complexity and helps tenderize the meat.

Step 4: Incorporate Herbs, Tomatoes, and Stock

Stir in the tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes, allowing their flavors to meld with the meat. Then add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and intensifies. This slow cooking step transforms simple ingredients into a velvety, robust sauce perfect for your gnocchi.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes until they float to the surface. Drain them and set aside, keeping them warm and ready to combine with the sauce.

Step 6: Combine Sauce and Gnocchi

Remove the bay leaves from the sauce. Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the Bolognese sauce, then stir in the grated Parmesan and torn fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This melding moment is where the gorgeous pillowy softness of the gnocchi meets the hearty, flavorful sauce in perfect harmony.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Give your Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe one final sprinkle of Parmesan if you like, and serve it up straight away. The sauce is best enjoyed hot and fresh, with the gnocchi maintaining their pillowy texture alongside the flavorful meat sauce.

How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a no-brainer — it adds a salty, nutty finish that complements the rich sauce beautifully. Fresh basil leaves or a few twists of cracked black pepper on top add a bright, aromatic lift that awakens each bite.

Side Dishes

Keep your sides simple to let the Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe shine. A crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette brings refreshing acidity that balances the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving the gnocchi in shallow pasta bowls with a final drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil and a few basil leaves for color. You can also finish with a grating of lemon zest to introduce a surprising, zesty brightness, giving your guests something to talk about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens and develops even more flavor overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze any leftovers by placing the gnocchi and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the best texture and flavor intact.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the gnocchi and sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or beef stock if the sauce is too thick. Microwave reheating works, but be careful not to overcook the gnocchi during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of beef?

Absolutely! While this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe calls for lean ground beef, you can also experiment with ground pork, veal, or even a mix of meats for a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat browns nicely.

Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil add vibrant, bright flavors that dried herbs can’t fully replicate. However, if you only have dried, use about one-third the amount and add them earlier in the cooking process so their flavors fully infuse the sauce.

Can I make gnocchi from scratch for this recipe?

Definitely! Homemade gnocchi are a wonderful treat and pair beautifully with the Bolognese sauce. If you’re new to making gnocchi, start with this recipe and then graduate to homemade for an extra-special version.

What wine pairs well when serving this dish?

A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the hearty flavors of Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe perfectly. The acidity and fruitiness balance the richness of the sauce and meat.

How do I know when my gnocchi is cooked perfectly?

Gnocchi are done cooking when they rise and float to the surface of boiling water, usually within 2 to 3 minutes. Once they float, give them an extra 30 seconds for perfect tenderness before draining.

Final Thoughts

This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is a loving celebration of rustic Italian flavors brought to life in your own kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it turns any meal into a cozy, satisfying experience. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try—once you taste that tender gnocchi soaked in rich, meaty sauce, it’s hard not to fall completely in love.